Lachlan Keeffffeeee

[Markfs]

I dont like disrespecting players in a forum but I think both Brown twins haven't reached the level that Collingwood or West Coast were expecting them to. Fortunately, we got the best twin and I'm happy to keep him on the list.

Keeffe is an example of a player that continues to improve. There was a thread dedicated to him after he returned from injury and my thoughts about him havent changed since then.

 

[Hinequarters]

I dont like disrespecting players in a forum but I think both Brown twins haven't reached the level that Collingwood or West Coast were expecting them to. Fortunately, we got the best twin and I'm happy to keep him on the list.

Not sure what more you want from Nathe.. shut down the best key forward in the land 2 weeks in a row in 2 Grand Finals to win us a flag and then copped an ACL which traditionally takes the bigger players 2 years to get over and still one of the best lock down full backs going around.. I suspect we're a lot ****en happier than West Coast

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Please don't make Keeffe Ruck... It's completely daft when he's clearly such a valuable key defender.

Will be extremely valuable to our structure if we have two kpps who can chip in at bounces for 10-15 minutes each per match. Will actually allow both White and Keeffe to spend most of their time in the positions they play best....chf and chb respectively.....without having to have an actual second ruck in the lineup. We could add another mid to the 22 if we did away with the second ruck.

Keeffe will improve at ruck. Hes only played 22 games and had a knee reco, so has hardly had any chance to establish himslef.

 

[rustyg70]

Will be extremely valuable to our structure if we have two kpps who can chip in at bounces for 10-15 minutes each per match. Will actually allow both White and Keeffe to spend most of their time in the positions they play best....chf and chb respectively.....without having to have an actual second ruck in the lineup. We could add another mid to the 22 if we did away with the second ruck.

Keeffe will improve at ruck. Hes only played 22 games and had a knee reco, so has hardly had any chance to establish himslef.

The only problem I see with this Timmy, is that you can always find another avenue to goals, but you can never find someone to cover a key position back.
Good ones are as rare as hens teeth and are one of the most under rated players in the comp.

 

[Quicky]

Will be extremely valuable to our structure if we have two kpps who can chip in at bounces for 10-15 minutes each per match. Will actually allow both White and Keeffe to spend most of their time in the positions they play best....chf and chb respectively.....without having to have an actual second ruck in the lineup. We could add another mid to the 22 if we did away with the second ruck.

Keeffe will improve at ruck. Hes only played 22 games and had a knee reco, so has hardly had any chance to establish himslef.

It's an interesting thought this one. I think it would come down to whether we prefer to split it or play White for a 20 minutes per game. I prefer to give the role to White for two reasons. He is the better ruckman. But more importantly it would throw our defensive balance out far too much by removing the fullback. I firmly believe that the defense more than any other position needs to have consistency in the players that are there. I think you throw that out of balance by playing Keeffe in the ruck. It's good food for thought though!

*In that scenario I see Reid as the CHF. It would be far easier to do the suggested structure if we play three tall defenders (Keeffe, Brown, Reid) however I think that is too tall.

 

[Old Spice]

I was of a view quite similar to Timmy's recently, namely because it allows you not to have to play two rucks. This is an issue with the interchange cap.

Grundy is not developed enough to shoulder a Goldstein like load, which necessitates some relief. I don't mind a set-up where Grundy takes 3/4 centre bounces, White takes the other 1/4. If Keeffe can take any ruck contests in the defensive 50, that would help.

I'm a bit reticent about him banging his knees and leaping in the centre square. Give Grundy a rest when the ball enters our defensive 50 or a rest forward or on the bench when White rucks.

 

[Robroy22]

I am of the school of thought that says that Keeffey should never be used in the ruck. He is a natural defender and has already undergone one knee reconstruction. Ruckman are a breed apart in AFL, they are born to be ruck men and without the inner desire to crash bodies and exert physical pressure by virtue of a huge frame, they are of no use in the ruck. Can anyone name a past or current champion ruck man that did not possess that inner mongrel that desires to push other rucks (and anyone else that enters his space) around?

The desire by clubs to replicate Leigh Brown's second ruck role is deceiving some people into thinking that any tall mobile player can be a "pinch hitter" in the ruck. The fact was that Leroy was in fact a small ruck man all his career. He revelled in the physical contact and the brutality that he was allowed to inflict in his short stints in the ruck, but he had the body and the personality to perform the role to perfection. He was in fact a "Roger Merrett" clone (look him up youngins).

The belief that Keeffe can be moulded into a bang crash ruckman is unwarranted as he is far more valuable as a defensive option. His body is unsuited to the constant crashing of knees and elbows and he has no game sense for playing in the position. Playing him there would be an unnecessary risk both injury wise and for his own form.

If we need another KPP to have a run in the ruck look no further than Travis Cloke. He has the build to compete and he has that lovely touch of mongrel that all the Clokes have had. I think Clokey would love a run on the ball where his huge frame coupled with his athleticism and booming left foot could be a real weapon (not unlike Roughead at Hawthorn). And getting to compete 1:1 at ruck contests rather than the usual 2 or 3: 1 that he contends with in the forward line should provide some young Trav with some light relief.

 

[Tarkyn_24]

Its hard to believe this 204cm monster of a Key position has only played 22 games. Was very solid early 2012 and again very solid the back end of 2013. Huge fan of the big fella and improves everygame. I noticed he barely leaked any goals, and despite looking unfashionable he is a very good user of the football and offers good rebound and averages 5 marks a game.
Im trying to find out who Keeffys direct opponents and how many direct goals were kicked on him in his 8 games.
Some of his highlights on his resume
- Made buddy his bitch round 21, only had 1 direct goal kicked on him
- When Nathan couldn't handle Tippet round 14, Keeffe went on him and Tippet was in an odd situation having a defender taller than him playing on him, tippets arms weren't long enough and Keeffy was winning every 1 on 1, Lachie had 1 goal kicked on him against Tippet.
-Again when Nathan couldn't handle an Opposition Keeffe came in cleaned up the situation, Cameron kicked 7 that game, 2 in the second half against keeffe.

These are goals that Keeffe had kicked on him that im sure that happened. Ill upload the Lineups from keeffes games, pretty sure he lined up against Westhoff and kept him to 1 goal till keeffe changed to that fwd/ruck role.

Post your thoughts on the big K and let us know keeffes reverse Coleman stats.

My thoughts? You're either Mrs Keeffe or you've just broken up with Browny.

 

[Smokeyr67]

I was of a view quite similar to Timmy's recently, namely because it allows you not to have to play two rucks. This is an issue with the interchange cap.

Grundy is not developed enough to shoulder a Goldstein like load, which necessitates some relief. I don't mind a set-up where Grundy takes 3/4 centre bounces, White takes the other 1/4. If Keeffe can take any ruck contests in the defensive 50, that would help.

I'm a bit reticent about him banging his knees and leaping in the centre square. Give Grundy a rest when the ball enters our defensive 50 or a rest forward or on the bench when White rucks.

I agree on the surface, but if Keeffe is rucking in the back line, who goes to Keeffes man?

 

[PieNSauce]

Oxley looks like the next Maxwell if anything. Not a KPB.

Dont think White has been down back.

I think I just heard the sound of Oxley jumping from the Westgate. Not because being another Maxwell is a bad thing but because now he knows he will be potted on BF for the rest of his life!

 

[Jelly Bean]

Will be extremely valuable to our structure if we have two kpps who can chip in at bounces for 10-15 minutes each per match. Will actually allow both White and Keeffe to spend most of their time in the positions they play best....chf and chb respectively.....without having to have an actual second ruck in the lineup. We could add another mid to the 22 if we did away with the second ruck.

Keeffe will improve at ruck. Hes only played 22 games and had a knee reco, so has hardly had any chance to establish himslef.

But we don't have a second ruck now. White will play that role, so there won't be an extra spot for a midfielder.

Also, in your plan, who then takes CHB while Keeffe is in the ruck? People who suggest have a player rotate into the ruck from the backline need to provide a solution to this problem. You would probably assume Reid, but that just seems to disruptive. Why shuffle more players than you need to when White can just do the job himself.

 

[rand corp]

Developing nicely at CHB and extremely mobile for his size.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

But we don't have a second ruck now. White will play that role, so there won't be an extra spot for a midfielder.

Also, in your plan, who then takes CHB while Keeffe is in the ruck? People who suggest have a player rotate into the ruck from the backline need to provide a solution to this problem. You would probably assume Reid, but that just seems to disruptive. Why shuffle more players than you need to when White can just do the job himself.

Reid. Or Maxwell/Goldsack/Toovey/Frost. I'm talking about two five minute stints so cover wont be am issue.

Obviously it depends upon the circumstances of the game but I reckon having two second rucks splitting the duties 50-50 will add massive flexibility to the side. And it actually allows White more time in the forward line to do the role he does best.

 

[MyManLynch]

He's my man, don't any of you try and steal him. Has been since we drafted him.

I was following him when he played soccer for Gympie (Marist College) !

 

[loki04]

Reid. Or Maxwell/Goldsack/Toovey/Frost. I'm talking about two five minute stints so cover wont be am issue.

Obviously it depends upon the circumstances of the game but I reckon having two second rucks splitting the duties 50-50 will add massive flexibility to the side. And it actually allows White more time in the forward line to do the role he does best.

Keeffe is horrible in the ruck and by horrible I mean I can't believe you are even suggesting that.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Keeffe is horrible in the ruck and by horrible I mean I can't believe you are even suggesting that.

Exactly why he needs time there so next time he is required in a final he wont be so inept. I'm only calling for 10 minutes a week!!!

I cant believe people are writing him off so easily after such a short injury interrupted career. We dont need world beaters in second ruck, God knows Leigh Brown was pretty ordinary....

 

[Jelly Bean]

Exactly why he needs time there so next time he is required in a final he wont be so inept. I'm only calling for 10 minutes a week!!!

I cant believe people are writing him off so easily after such a short injury interrupted career. We dont need world beaters in second ruck, God knows Leigh Brown was pretty ordinary....

I just don't think it is an option. Firstly, assuming you have taken a step back from the 20 percent (eg
20 min) you initially suggested and keep that down to 10 min, it just doesn't seem like it is worth the disruption for just five minutes a half, especially if the match up is working (you don't mess with that). You wouldn't take him off someone like Tippett and replace h with maxwell or goldy so he can play in the ruck.

Secondly, you generally don't rotate backman who have jobs into the midfield, as it typically wears them down and puts it at risk to stay with the man when they return

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Fairy nuff. Just thinking outside the square. Lets not try something different, becuase...well, its different!!

As for whether I said ten minutes or twenty...the point is the same. Grundy to do the bulk of the work (agree 60% is a bit light) and White/Keeffe to share the other 20-30% of the game time.

 

[loki04]

Fairy nuff. Just thinking outside the square. Lets not try something different, becuase...well, its different!!

As for whether I said ten minutes or twenty...the point is the same. Grundy to do the bulk of the work (agree 60% is a bit light) and White/Keeffe to share the other 20-30% of the game time.

Don't forget we have Lynch also in reserve for when White is injured/suspended/rested, also appears Buckley is going to trial a 4 prong tall attack by the looks early season with Cloke Reid White and Lynch in the side. This is not to say I am a fan but going off pre season reports it looks like an early option to test the waters.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Cant see White and Lynch in the same 22 myself but we will have to wait and see. I expect Lynch to be depth this year.

Obviously my Keeffe/White suggestion assumes that Lynch is not in the starting 22.

 

[Pantsed]

Please don't make Keeffe Ruck... It's completely daft when he's clearly such a valuable key defender.

This!
Does not have any of the skills for this role, keep him where he is comfortable and cancontinue his comeback from the knee injury.

 

[loki04]

Cant see White and Lynch in the same 22 myself but we will have to wait and see. I expect Lynch to be depth this year.

Obviously my Keeffe/White suggestion assumes that Lynch is not in the starting 22.

I don't see it working either but it is being mooted as on the cards to happen.

Couldn't be any worse then when we had Jolly, Witts, Cloke, Reid up fwd and Keeffe brown back.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

I don't see it working either but it is being mooted as on the cards to happen.

Couldn't be any worse then when we had Jolly, Witts, Cloke, Reid up fwd and Keeffe brown back.

Witts is a special case of course. Sometimes you just have to give players a run otherwise they never develop. You dont always pick your best 22 and you dont always put players in their best positions.

We need to fast track our rucks due to their relative inexperience. Its part of the reason why I'd like Keeffe given some exposure to ruckwork and why I'd prefer Lynch kept out of the 22.

 

[Quicky]

Witts is a special case of course. Sometimes you just have to give players a run otherwise they never develop. You dont always pick your best 22 and you dont always put players in their best positions.

We need to fast track our rucks due to their relative inexperience. Its part of the reason why I'd like Keeffe given some exposure to ruckwork and why I'd prefer Lynch kept out of the 22.

With the White selection Witts really is the forgotten man in preseason discussion this year. White and Lynch are more mobile as second rucks but I think there may be times this year that we go for Witts ahead of both. He has shown plenty as a forward and as you say, we need to continue to develop him. Actually I wonder for the games we rest Grundy, whether we go for Witts or Hudson? It may well depend on how the team is progressing in the season.

 

[MyManLynch]

With the White selection Witts really is the forgotten man in preseason discussion this year. White and Lynch are more mobile as second rucks but I think there may be times this year that we go for Witts ahead of both. He has shown plenty as a forward and as you say, we need to continue to develop him. Actually I wonder for the games we rest Grundy, whether we go for Witts or Hudson? It may well depend on how the team is progressing in the season.

I think it also depends on how Witts is progressing in the VFL. If he begins to dominate (or at least perform well in the ruck) then he will definitely earn games throughout the season.
Although I think it is still another development year for the big fella.
He is still very young & green, needs to learn more about the craft, how to use his bulk, take more grabs, learn where to run etc. No rush in my opinion, a pie in the oven on slow bake.
Where as Grundy is the instant TV dinner from the microwave.